Who it's for: Anyone looking for a mature RPG with elements of the "Pokémon" series

Console: Nintendo 3DS

Grade: B+

'Time and Eternity'

From: NIS America

Rated: T

Who it's for: Only the most hard-core JRPG fans -- after they have run out of other options

Console: PS3

Grade: D+

Back in the 1990s, Japanese companies owned the video game industry. More than 90 percent of all games made came from the East, and while the Western market missed out on many of the quirkier offerings, some gamers embraced the distinctive Japanese aesthetic found in many of country's games -- particularly in its role-playing games.

Today, Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) have become a sub-genre unto itself, with U.S. fans rabid for any new offering making its way onto our shores. Recently there has been a flood of new JRPGs, each offering hours of adventure and a unique take on the now-familiar tropes and conceits.

The latest installment of Namco's popular "Tales" series just landed on the PS3. While "Tales of Xillia" is the series' 13th installment, it doesn't require previous experience to enjoy. That's not to say series fans won't find a lot to love here, just that anyone can use this game as a starting point.

In a new twist to the series, players may pick from two different characters -- Jude Mathis or Milla Maxwell -- determining the game's path from the beginning. Each character has his or her own side-missions, cut scenes and view of the unfolding events.

This also means you'll have to play through the game twice to completely experience everything it has to offer.

The game delivers where it counts. The story is rich and complex, offering an impressive amount of detail throughout.

Additionally, the battle systems are both deep and easy to grasp, allowing players to jump in and have a great time during the fights you'll encounter around nearly every corner.

Be aware that, while the story is fantastic and the gameplay solid, it isn't the prettiest game you'll find. This is somewhat understandable as it took two years to make it over from Japan.

Still, anyone looking for a deep and rewarding foray into the world of JRPGs could do a lot worse than starting with "Tales of Xillia."

If you've been interested enough to look into JRPGs previously, you've likely run across the "Shin Megami Tensei" name. Just as likely, you've also gotten a little confused, as the "Shin Megami Tensei" name -- literally translated as "True Goddess Reincarnation" -- has been used in other series, as well, including the stunning "Shin Megami Tensei Persona" series.

The original series focuses on collecting and training demons, much like a much darker version of Nintendo's Pokémon series.

"Shin Megami Tensei IV" offers a middling story involving a group of young samurai, but in this case, story takes a backseat to gameplay.

Not only can you train your demons, you can evolve them and fuse some of them together. This provides an addictive motivation to press on, discovering new demons, pressing them into service and figuring out how to make the most powerful creatures possible.

The battle system is a blast, and while the story drags a bit in spots, there's enough mystery and intrigue here to make the payoff worthwhile.

At first I was excited about this game because it appeared to offer something different in its storytelling -- a strong female character standing up for her wronged male love.

What I got, however, was a poorly written story with more cliches than are evident early on. Rather than turning the genre on its head, "Time and Eternity" merely mixes things up a little.

The main character, Princess Toki, has the soul of another woman inside of her, the wild and somewhat unpredictable Towa. Together they form the most intriguing part of the game -- twin souls on a quest for something or other. To be honest, I lost interest early on because of the game's dismal storytelling.

The battle system is occasionally fun, but it is overshadowed by the rest of the game's problems. If you're interested in JRPGs, look elsewhere. This game could turn you off to the genre forever.

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